Person-Centered Planning and the Quest for System Change – O’Brien et al

Transforming Lives Through Person-Centered Planning ​

This chapter by John O’Brien dives into the transformative power of person-centered planning for individuals with severe disabilities. ​ It’s all about creating meaningful change—helping people live independently in their own homes, find integrated employment, and take on valued roles in their communities. ​ Rooted in TASH values and inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the document explores how person-centered planning can drive systemic reform and foster inclusion. ​

You’ll discover nine practical approaches to person-centered planning, including Personal Futures Planning, PATH, MAPS, and Essential Lifestyle Planning, each designed to empower individuals and their families to envision and achieve a better future. The chapter also highlights the difference between working within existing systems and challenging those systems to adapt, emphasizing the need for both technical solutions and adaptive changes. ​

Real-world examples, like the Willowbrook Futures Project and England’s Valuing People initiative, illustrate how person-centered planning has been used to improve lives and inspire innovation. However, the document doesn’t shy away from addressing challenges, such as limited resources, competing values, and the need for strong partnerships between individuals, families, service providers, and communities. ​

This chapter is a must-read for anyone passionate about creating inclusive, person-centered systems that prioritize choice, independence, and meaningful community involvement. ​ It’s a thoughtful guide to understanding the potential of person-centered planning and how it can be a catalyst for lasting, impactful change. ​